Two barangays named ‘hotspots’ for marijuana

CEBU, Philippines - Rampant marijuana farming in two mountain barangays of Cebu City has been reported to the Police Coordinating Advisory Council yesterday.

PCAC chairman Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella divulged that there is wide marijuana planting in Barangays Buot and Bonbon as confirmed by the respective barangay officials during yesterday's weekly PCAC meeting held in Barangay Buot.

Buot Barangay Captain Rosalita Callino said at least three sitios in their barangay - Samborio, Caduldulan, and Tay-ong - including the boundary of neighboring Barangay Pamutan, have been identified as hotspots for marijuana plantations. Buot has 15 sitios.

Bonbon councilwoman Merenisa Mabano also confirmed that marijuana has been sourced out from several plantations in their area.

After receiving several reports, Mabano said, the marijuana were uprooted and turned over to the custody of Cebu City Police Office for disposal. The alleged owners were not apprehended but were only summoned by the barangay.

Mabano claimed that since the 1980s, Buot has been notably known for marijuana planting.

"Sauna daghan kayo, pero karon kay nagkagamay na lang man," she said.

Labella, a lawyer by profession, said the act of planting marijuana, either personal or commercial, is a violation under the Republic Act No. 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Section 3 (i) provides that "any act of knowingly planting, growing, raising, or permitting the planting, growing or raising of any plant which is the source of a dangerous drug."

Labella ordered the barangays to intensify their drive against illegal drugs, which the barangay officials have assured.

They were given hotlines to report such illegal activity to PCAC, CCPO, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

"Make a relentless drive, hunungon na kini. Kadtong mga madakpan will be dealt accordingly. We have to nip in the bud any possibility of spreading this kind of illegal act," Labella said, adding that there must also be an informative drive as to the legal aspects of marijuana planting and its effects on human health. — (FREEMAN)